Substance Abuse Statistics in Casper WY
Overall rates of substance use in Casper and surrounding areas are relatively low compared to national averages. But the region still faces rising rates of drug and alcohol use as well as drug-related hospitalizations and deaths. Here are a few more recent statistics about drug and alcohol issues in Casper and Natrona County:
Natrona County is ranked among the most vulnerable Wyoming counties for opioid-related overdose deaths.
Wyoming is in the second tier of U.S. states for methamphetamine use.
Most methamphetamine use in Natrona County and the state occurs among older teens and young adults.
Between 2019 and 2020, the number of statewide overdose deaths due to synthetic opioids jumped from 17 to 42.
Between 2016 and 2018, 21% of hospitalizations were opioid-related, while another 22% were due to other non-opioid pain medications.
The largest overdose rate occurred among older teens between 15 and 19.
How to Pay for Addiction Treatment in Casper, Wyoming
Private Insurance
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires all insurance companies to cover substance abuse to some extent. However, each plan differs, so Wyoming residents must contact their provider to confirm specific coverage under their plan.
Wyoming Medicaid
Wyoming Medicaid is a joint state and federal government program that provides coverage for medical care for low-income Wyoming residents. This includes some drug and alcohol treatment services. To qualify, Wyoming residents must provide proof of residency and meet income requirements. Additionally, to use Medicaid coverage for treatment, the rehab center must accept Medicaid as a form of payment.
Wyoming Medicare
Medicare is a federal government health insurance program that provides coverage for Americans aged 65 and older, as well as individuals with certain disabilities. Some forms of addiction treatment are covered under various Medicare plans. Not all rehab facilities accept Medicare, so it’s important to confirm accepted methods of payment before enrolling in a program.
TRICARE in Wyoming
TRICARE in Wyoming (West region) provides health insurance coverage for U.S. veterans, military personnel, and their dependents. This coverage includes addiction treatment services.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
A majority of Wyoming’s rehab centers offer treatment services on a sliding-fee scale.6 This means you pay what you can afford based on your income. To qualify, you must provide proof of income.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a government health program that provides low-cost or free SUD treatment services for Native Americans and Native Alaskans.
Resources
- Department of Public Health, Wyoming. (2019). Drug Overdose Dashboard.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). National Center for Health Statistics: Wyoming.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). 2018-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. National Maps of Prevalence Estimates, by State.
- Tufts University School of Medicine and Wyoming Department of Health. (2021). Opioid Vulnerability Assessment.
- City of Casper, Wyoming. (n.d.). About Casper Wyoming.